The "Horsing Around At The Grange Fair" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Walking from one stall to another in the equine facility at the Grange Fair in Centre County, PA.  For years we have enjoyed the majestic and beautiful horses that are entered in competition at the fair.  Competitions in areas such as Draft Horse Farm Team Pull, Draft Horse Show and 6-Horse Draft Hitch Show are just a few of the many that can be seen during the nine day fair.  This year we were able to walk through a new horse barn that sports 150 stalls and is connected by a covered walkway to the arena where the indoor judging takes place.  One event that we missed this year is the draft horse team pull.  Really neat to see the mammoth horses such as the Percherons, Belgians or Clydesdales pulling beautiful coaches with a driver, helper and perhaps a dalmation sitting on the seat of the wagon.  The rumble that is created when they pass closby is thrilling.  As we walked from stall to stall we got to talk with a few of the owners and got to see them braiding the manes of their horses as well as brushing and washing them.  I have learned to appreciate horses over the years since my wife owned a horse when she was in high school.  I snapped a few photographs as we walked through the stalls and then sat and watched competitors practice for events later in the fair.  I never get tired of these beautiful animals and am starting to be able to identify the different breeds.  Check out some of the photos that feature horses and horse related items.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

This is the indoor competition facility. 

Beautiful horse waiting for a command.

This little eight year-old girl with pink cowgirl boots practices for competition.

While in college I learned how to tool leather.  This photo and the following are samples of the fantastic tooling that can be accomplished on saddles.

Silver inlays can be added to the tooling.

Bridles line the wall in one of the stalls.

A lone rider prepares her horse for a practice ride.

This horse had a sign next to it that warned "Nibbles on Everything."

Saddle marks can be seen on the horse's body after competition.

The intricate designs of braiding on the horse's mane. 

This beautiful "Paint" is ready for a walk after being in it's stall.

A closeup of the mane of the "Paint" and the neat markings between the white and brown colors of it's body.

Footwear of both the rider with spurs and the horse with protection for it's front hooves.

This horse is being prepared for riding in the outdoor competition ring.

Read more here: http://www.centredaily.com/2015/08/16/4874270/grange-fair-preview-welcome-to.html#storylink=cpy